“I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will punish him as a father punishes his son. But I will not withdraw My support from him.” 2 Samuel 7:14-15a GNT

The role of a father is key in God’s plan for His people. Here God is speaking to King David through the Prophet Nathan. He is promising that He will be a father to David’s son and future king, Solomon. That He will guide Solomon and keep him on the right track. (Note 1)

The same promise is made by God to fathers today. The Bible teaches over and over again that we are uniquely blessed because we have the God of the Universe as our Father in heaven. God is our “good, good father” role model.

Here are some the fatherly attributes that God demonstrates:

1. Eternal, irreversible love. (Note 2)
2. Provision for every present and future need. (Note 3)
3. Protection. (Note 4)
4. Instruction. Our Father teaches us by His Holy Spirit. (Note 5)
5. Correction. According to His perfect justice and wisdom. (Note 6)
6. An eternal inheritance. (Note 7)

Whether your father in this realm is admirable, absent, or an abject failure, remember that these fatherly attributes are bestowed to all believers by our good, good Father in Heaven.

Happy Father’s Day!

Note 1: God spoke through the prophet Nathan, and He promised David and Israel that the Messiah would come from the lineage of David and the tribe of Judah, and He would establish a kingdom that would endure forever. These unconditional promises (2 Samuel 7:8-16) are known as the Davidic Covenant. Charles Spurgeon (1834 – 1892) addressed God as Father by identifying these characteristics.

Note 2:
(a) Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 ESV
(b) For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 ESV

Note 3: Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:32b-33 NLT

Note 4: He will cover you with His feathers. He will shelter you with His wings. His faithful promises are your armor and protection. Psalm 91:4 NLT

Note 5: I long for Your salvation,Lord, and Your instruction is my delight. Psalm 119:174 CSB

Note 6: All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 ESV

Note 7: Therefore He (Jesus) is the mediator of a new covenant so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9:15a ESV